New England Patriots: 5 Things to Watch in Matchup Against Houston Texans

#4 Offensive Line Play

The starting five along the offensive line are locked in for the Patriots this year and consist of the same five who played in a combined 93 out of a possible 95 games in 2016. The only question that remains is who will round out the second unit.

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Offensive tackle is the most intriguing matchup as two veterans, LaAdrian Waddle and Cameron Fleming, and three rookies, Tony Garcia, Conor McDermott and Cole Croston battle for a roster spot. Two of those five should make the team and have the opportunity to backup Nate Solder and Marcus Cannon. With Solder entering the final year of his contract, this battle could have a much larger impact in 2018 than 2017.

The Patriots kept four interior linemen on the roster last year, and the same four are expected to return this season. Joe Thuney, David Andrews, and Shaq Mason are set as the starters from left to the right, with Ted Karras providing the team with the flexibility to line up at all three positions. Jamil Douglas will push Karras for that role, but he’s more likely to land on the practice squad. With Dante Scarnecchia coaching this group, whoever the Patriots wind up keeping will be in good hands.